Cricket has given us some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in sports history. From last-ball finishes to record-breaking performances, certain matches have left fans on the edge of their seats and are remembered as legendary encounters.
In this article, we look at ten of the greatest cricket matches of all time, featuring intense rivalries, incredible comebacks, and historical milestones that have shaped the game.
1. England vs Australia – 2005 Ashes, 2nd Test (Edgbaston)
Result: England won by 2 runs
One of the most dramatic Test matches ever played, the Edgbaston Test of the 2005 Ashes was an absolute thriller. England, having been bowled out for 407 in their first innings, saw Australia fight back with a resilient effort. The game came down to the final moments, with Australia needing just three runs to win and England needing one wicket.
Steve Harmison bowled a short ball to Michael Kasprowicz, who gloved it to the wicketkeeper, giving England a narrow two-run victory. This match is remembered as one of the closest finishes in Test history and was pivotal in England’s famous Ashes win.
2. India vs Pakistan – 2007 T20 World Cup Final (Johannesburg)
Result: India won by 5 runs
The inaugural T20 World Cup final saw an electrifying clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Batting first, India set a target of 158 runs, with Gautam Gambhir scoring 75.
Pakistan, in response, had Misbah-ul-Haq guiding them towards victory, needing just 6 runs off 4 balls. He attempted a scoop shot over short fine-leg but mistimed it, and Sreesanth took a match-winning catch. This victory helped India become the first-ever T20 World Cup champions, making it a historic moment in cricket.
3. Australia vs South Africa – 1999 World Cup Semi-Final (Birmingham)
Result: Match tied (Australia advanced to the final)
Regarded as one of the most heart-breaking matches in cricket, this World Cup semi-final ended in a dramatic tie. South Africa, chasing 214, were in a strong position with Lance Klusener playing a blinder.
With one run needed off three balls and one wicket in hand, Klusener hit two boundaries, leveling the scores. However, a mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald led to a run-out, tying the match. Australia advanced to the final due to their superior net run rate, leaving South African fans devastated.
4. West Indies vs England – 2016 T20 World Cup Final (Kolkata)
Result: West Indies won by 4 wickets
A match defined by Carlos Brathwaite’s heroics, the 2016 T20 World Cup final saw England posting a competitive 155.
West Indies were struggling at 107/6 when Brathwaite arrived at the crease. Needing 19 runs off the last over, he smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes, sealing the title in one of the most stunning finishes in T20 history. Ian Bishop’s famous words, “Remember the name – Carlos Brathwaite!”, have since become legendary.
5. Australia vs India – 2001 Kolkata Test (Eden Gardens)
Result: India won by 171 runs
One of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket, this match saw India follow on after being bowled out for 171 in response to Australia’s 445.
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid then produced a historic 376-run partnership, with Laxman scoring 281. India declared at 657/7, setting Australia a target of 384. Harbhajan Singh’s magical spell ensured Australia’s defeat, ending their 16-match unbeaten streak.
6. England vs New Zealand – 2019 World Cup Final (Lord’s)
Result: Match tied (England won on boundary count)
This match is widely considered the greatest ODI of all time. Batting first, New Zealand scored 241/8. England, chasing, were in trouble but Ben Stokes’ heroics saw them level the score.
The Super Over ended in another tie, but England were declared winners on boundary count, having hit more fours and sixes. The thrilling finish and controversial result made it one of the most debated matches in cricket history.
7. South Africa vs Australia – 2006 ODI (Johannesburg)
Result: South Africa won by 1 wicket
A match that redefined ODI cricket, this game saw Australia post a record-breaking 434/4 in 50 overs. No team had ever chased such a total before.
Incredibly, South Africa pulled off the unthinkable, with Herschelle Gibbs smashing 175 and Mark Boucher hitting the winning runs. South Africa scored 438/9, pulling off the highest-ever successful run chase.
8. Pakistan vs India – 1999 Chennai Test
Result: Pakistan won by 12 runs
A dramatic and emotional match, India vs Pakistan in Chennai was a classic. Pakistan set a target of 271 for India.
Sachin Tendulkar played a legendary innings of 136 before falling near the end. India lost their last four wickets for just 4 runs, handing Pakistan a 12-run victory. Despite the loss, the Chennai crowd gave Pakistan a standing ovation, a rare moment of sportsmanship.
9. West Indies vs Australia – 1960 Tied Test (Brisbane)
Result: Match tied
The first-ever Tied Test in cricket history was played between West Indies and Australia in 1960.
West Indies set a fourth-innings target of 233, and Australia, needing just seven runs with two wickets in hand, looked set to win. However, two quick wickets in the final over resulted in a historic tie, a result that had never been seen before in Test cricket.
10. India vs Bangladesh – 2016 T20 World Cup (Bangalore)
Result: India won by 1 run
A match that proved the importance of keeping calm under pressure, India defended a modest 146 against Bangladesh.
Needing 2 runs off 3 balls, Bangladesh had victory in their grasp. However, three wickets fell in three balls, including a last-ball run-out, giving India an unbelievable 1-run victory.
Cricket bat types, Cricket equipment in usa, Cricket equipment store, Cricket gloves, Cricket helmet, Cricket kit bags, Cricket retailers, Durable cricket gloves, English willow bats, Icc approved helmets., Kashmir willow cricket bat, Latest kashmir willow bats,